June, 2012

Stepping up to the plate

The Swan at Chapel DownEnglish Wine Week sees a delightful crop of new restaurants, inspired by English wine, opening their doors around the country.

In Kent, the last month has seen Chapel Down's beautifully appointed restaurant re-open as The Swan, with seasonal, local food the focus. Over in Hampshire, what was Vatika, Atul Kochar's out-of-town outpost at Wickham Vineyard, has also re-emerged as The Vineyard Restaurant. With Paul Dive at the helm, formerly of Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison, it's modern British fare on the menu.

And to complete a tasty trio, mid-June sees Bolney Vineyard's new bistro open in leafy Sussex, complete with homemade offerings from chef Dan, local foods from local suppliers - even a note of the food miles. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 8am-4pm 

Posted on 04 Jun 2012 in

Find your own way...

Food from Best of English at Artisan and VineTo paraphrase the title of one of my favourite Fleetwood Mac songs, it’s wonderful to see English – and Welsh – still wine finding their own way in terms of food matches.

Once chefs have a chance to engage with the subtlety and delicacy of the whites and the elegant summer fruits of the rosés, it was only a matter of time.

So this English Wine Week, whether its fizz with your fish and chips, an aromatic Bacchus with your asparagus, or a winsome Rosé with your chicken, my London tips are below, I’ll follow with my Outside the Big Smoke suggestions, and visit the The True Taste of Wales for a full wrap up of what’s on across the border.

Posted on 04 Jun 2012 in

English trio to toast the Queen

Stopham Vineyard harvestTwo newbies are joining one of England's best established sparkling wines on board the Queen's barge, The Royal Chartwell, leading the 1000-strong flotilla on Sunday 3 June.

Alongside Nyetimber's Classic Cuvée 2007 will be Stopham Pinot Blanc 2010 from former racing driver Simon Woodhead (vineyard pictured here), and Albury Vineyard Silent Pool Rosé 2011.

You may have heard of Stopham Vineyard – Simon's Pinot Gris has been creating quite a stir, even featuring as Jancis Robinson MW's Wine of the Week. Albury Vineyard might be a new name though – and for good reason - this is its first vintage to be released!

Posted on 02 Jun 2012 in